it has been so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to affirm or confirm a situation or condition that has existed or occurred in the past and continues to be relevant. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, it has been so that our team has remained united and focused on our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because it has been so trivialized, confession has lost its power and vitality.

Huffington Post

It has been so for centuries.

The Economist

It has been so draining".

The Guardian

"It has been so long".

The Guardian - Sport

It has been so nice.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been so many years.

The New York Times

"It has been so traumatic," he said.

The New York Times

It has been so for many years.

The New York Times

"It has been so for decades now in this country.

The New York Times

But the way it has been so far.

The New York Times - Sports

But it has been so much more confused than that.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been so" to confirm or affirm a situation that has existed and remains relevant. It's particularly effective when contrasting the past with the present, or when emphasizing the duration of a condition.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "it has been so" can sound stilted or overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's always been this way" or "that's how it is" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been so" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a preceding statement by confirming or emphasizing a condition or situation that has existed over a period of time. As shown in Ludwig, it often appears in sentences reflecting on past events and their lasting impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been so" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to affirm a condition or situation that has existed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appears in different contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business communications. While useful, its relative formality suggests that it may be less suitable for informal conversations. Consider alternatives like "it's always been this way" for more casual settings. As evidenced by the wealth of examples provided by Ludwig, mastering the use of this phrase can enhance clarity and emphasis in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been that way

This alternative emphasizes the continuation of a condition or situation over time.

it has remained so

This emphasizes the unchanging nature of something.

it has been the case

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "it has been so", suitable for professional settings.

it continues to be so

This highlights the ongoing aspect of the state or condition.

it has always been thus

This phrase suggests a tradition or long-standing practice.

this has been the situation

This alternative clearly restates an existing condition.

that's how it has been

This option emphasizes acceptance of the existing condition.

it has persisted as such

This alternative suggests something has endured despite potential changes.

such has been the reality

This phrase underscores the factual nature of a situation.

it has transpired in this manner

A formal and somewhat literary way of describing how events unfolded.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been so" in a sentence?

The phrase "it has been so" is used to confirm or emphasize that something has been the case. For instance, "Despite numerous challenges, "it has been so" that our team remained united." It is often used when reflecting on a past situation that continues to hold true.

What are some alternatives to "it has been so"?

Alternatives include "it has been that way", "it has always been thus", or "it has been the case". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "it has been so" formal or informal?

The phrase "it has been so" leans toward the formal side. While grammatically correct in most contexts, it can sound somewhat stilted in very casual conversation. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "it has been so" and "it is so"?

"It is so" indicates a present condition or fact, while "it has been so" indicates that something has been the case over a period of time, emphasizing its duration or continued relevance. For example: "The weather is warm today; "it is so"." versus "The summers here have always been warm; "it has been so" for decades."